Expectations or Expectancy – Guest post by Ava Pennington

by Jennifer Slattery on August 17, 2023August 17, 2023

Expectations or Expectancy

by Ava Pennington

Have you recently experienced frustration? Something or someone irritated you? Plans didn’t go your way? That seems to be happening to me more as of late.

I get annoyed at the increased seasonal traffic in south Florida. I’m frustrated by people who don’t follow through on what they said they would do. I’m irritated by circumstances that cause me to make two separate trips to purchase the same item. But what if the cause of the irritation is not external at all?

What if I’m the cause of my own frustration? Someone once said “the level of your frustration is directly related to the level of your expectations.” Ouch.

So the real cause of my own grief is most likely…me. Knowing we live in a broken world, why do I go through life expecting people to respond perfectly? Especially when I know I don’t! Understanding that our little town experiences a population surge during the winter season, why do I get annoyed at the increased traffic?

Failing to take the time to plan properly, why am I surprised that one task requires multiple trips to the store?

Unrealistic expectations.

Expectations grounded in reality as I want it to be, rather than the way it is. Ancient Israel had a similar problem. Their expectations of the coming Messiah were based on cherry-picked prophecies. The sad result was that they didn’t recognize Him when He did come. They were so busy looking for a victorious military leader that they missed the Suffering Servant who came to redeem humanity. So what’s the answer?

I believe the answer for a Christian is to live expectantly. To live expectantly is to live in without setting specific expectations or demands on what that will look like. Living expectantly allows us to recognize where the Holy Spirit might be moving in areas we would not normally look for Him. And it communicates that we are satisfied with whatever the Lord does, allows, or gives—without comparing it to our own agenda or shopping list.

Those who live expectantly have the privilege of living out a truth understood by martyred missionary Jim Elliot: “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.”

Will you join me?

Together, let’s put aside our expectations and live in daily expectancy for how God will show Himself active in our life. And as He does, share your experiences with others to increase their own sense of expectancy.“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3 ESV).

Let’s talk about this: How are you living expectantly?

About the Author: Ava Pennington is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She’s also a freelance editor, and a certified coach for writers and speakers, and she teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class.

Ava is the author of Reflections on the Names of God: 180 Devotions to Know God More Fully (Revell Books, 2022), an abridged gift book edition of the one-year devotional, Daily Reflections on the Names of God. Three devotions for each name/attribute explore who God is, and how this changes us and our relationships. Visit her at www.AvaPennington.com to learn more.

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

Today’s Bible Verse: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” — Zechariah 7:9 Zechariah 7:9 brings faith into everyday action. God calls His people beyond outward rituals and into lives marked by justice, mercy, and compassion. It’s a reminder that what we practice toward others reflects what we truly believe about God. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken 🎙️ Listen to more daily devotionals with Carol at Your Daily Bible Verse on LifeAudio Carol Ogle McCracken is a dynamic Christian speaker, author, and Bible teacher known for her warmth, humor, and transparency. She brings biblical truths to life through real-world stories and relatable experiences—whether navigating alcohol recovery, parenting a child with special needs, or walking through divorce. Today, she serves as Minister of Discipleship at her local church and shares God’s Word through women's retreats, conferences, and online devotionals. Her book, Wisdom: Where to Find It if You’ve Lost, Forgotten, or Never Had It, was released in 2020 and continues to encourage readers in their pursuit of godly wisdom. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

is what feels urgent god’s leading? – guest post by kathy howard

by Jennifer Slattery on August 10, 2023August 10, 2023

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Quote from John Ortberg on not missing out through living rushed and distracted

Is What Feels Urgent God’s Leading

By Kathy Howard

(This post first appeared on Kathy Howard’s website.)

My mother used to tell a story about me to which most moms of young children can relate. One day, when she ran into the bathroom for just a moment, I immediately began knocking on the door, demanding her attention. In frustration, she said “Can’t I get just a little privacy?” To her surprise, the knocking stopped and briefly all was quiet. Soon I was knocking again, but with a new message. “Mommy, I looked in my toy box, but I couldn’t find any privery!”

Like the endless, urgent entreaties of a toddler on a frazzled mother’s time, we also experience constant demands on our limited time. Our daily 24 hours are gobbled up by family responsibilities, work, household duties, and more. Some demands we can control, forcing them into our timetable. Others scream for attention until we give it, like knee-high grass in the yard or an overflowing laundry basket.

This phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “tyranny of the urgent,” steals valuable time from the more polite, but more important things. Sometimes we can’t avoid temporarily setting aside the important to deal with something that cannot be put off another minute. But all too often we allow the seemingly urgent to push out the important because we fail to purposefully prioritize the important.

Jesus Defeated the Tyranny of the Urgent

Jesus experienced constant demands on His time and attention. The tyranny of the urgent was always a threat. For instance, in the Gospel of Mark, we learn that Jesus couldn’t openly enter a town to teach because He would be overwhelmed by crowds of people who wanted something from Him (Mark 1:35). So Jesus intentionally worked to make room for the most important things.

When Jesus first began His ministry in Galilee, everyone in Capernaum wanted to get close to Him. So, after an overwhelmingly hectic day in ministry, Jesus rose early to get away and spend time alone with His Father. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed” (Mark 1:35 ESV). (Also see “8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from “Want To” to “Get To“ and “11 Tips for Spending Quality Quiet Time with God.“)

When His disciples woke and discovered Jesus gone, they went looking for Him. Their search was not mere concern for Jesus’ welfare. According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary the Greek word Mark used that’s translated as “searched,” “looked for,” or “followed after” means to intensively track and persistently search with a determination to find. The disciples didn’t merely wonder where Jesus had gotten off to, they were a bit indignant that He wasn’t conforming to their timetable. After all, the crowds back in town clamored for His presence. (Mark 1:37).

We can Follow Jesus’ Example

Sometimes we also feel that indignant hostility from the things that pull at our attention. But rather than simply throwing our hands up in surrender, we can follow Jesus’ example. After a busy, draining evening and with more of the same ahead, Jesus intentionally did two things.

First, He spent time with the Father by slipping beyond the reach of the urgent to commune with the only One who could provide everything He needed. He set the urgent aside to embrace the important.

Second, Jesus established His priorities and voiced them to those in His circle. Jesus clearly and firmly told the disciples that the Father had sent Him to take the Gospel message to those who needed it. “And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.’” Mark 1:38

He would fulfill that purpose first and meet the physical needs of the people as He went. And we can follow Jesus’ example. Let’s establish our priorities, voice them to those close to us, and ask God to help us keep the important at the top of our list.

Yes, some days the time tyrant will win. But most days, with a little discipline and a lot of Jesus, we can defeat the tyranny of the urgent and use the time the Father has given us for His glory.

This post was excerpted from “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.”

Get to Know Kathy Howard:

About the author: Kathy Howard is a treasure hunter. She hunts for the creamiest chocolate, richest coffee, and cherished stories of faith. She also digs deep into Scripture, mining God’s eternal truths. Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and has taught the Bible for more than 30 years in a wide variety of venues. She is the author of 12 books, including “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith” and the “meaty” devotional series “Deep Rooted.”

Kathy and her husband live in north Texas. They have three married children, six grandchildren, and one accidental dog. Find free discipleship resources at www.KathyHoward.org.

Check out her book, Deep Rooted: Growing Through the Book of Romans

Have you lost the wonder of your salvation? Maybe you’ve forgotten the abundant riches of God’s grace. The Gospel isn’t just a statement of faith. It is more than hope for eternity. The Gospel of Jesus is the power of God for your life today. Recapture the awe of your life in Christ with this 40-day pilgrimage: Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Romans.

Feeling Left Out? Christ Seats You at the Table of Honor – Faith Over Fear

We've probably all walked into a room and felt unseen, out of place, or excluded. Those experiences can cut deep and leave us feeling alone in the very place where everyone else seems connected with friends. In this episode, Jennifer talks with Dr. Heather Holleman to explore how powerful truths in Ephesians helps us reframes those painful experiences and related insecurities. Together, they unpack what it means to be chosen, included, and seated with Christ and how those realities speak directly into anxiety, comparison, and loneliness. Drawing from Scripture and personal story, this conversation invites listeners to move from striving for belonging to resting in the secure place they already occupy with Jesus. They also discuss the impact of the narratives we carry, what Dr. Holleman calls “shadow stories”, and how replacing those with God’s biblical truth fosters healing and transformation. Through practices like expressive writing and sharing personal “Savior stories,” listeners will discover practical ways to process pain, renew their thinking, and step into their God-given purpose. This episode ultimately shifts the focus from isolation to mission, reminding us that we are not only included in Christ but also sent to reflect Him in a world longing for connection. Resources referenced: Included in Christ: Living A New Story from Ephesians (A Bible Study) by Dr. Heather Holleman "Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity" Bible reading plan (on the YouVersion Bible app) Connect with Dr. Heather Holleman: On her website On Instagram On Facebook Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Remembering What we cannot see – guest post by Karen Wingate

by Jennifer Slattery on July 13, 2023July 12, 2023

When life feels hard or uncertain, I try to lift my gaze off of my problems and onto the One who knows me, sees me, loves me, and is always, always working on my behalf.

Today’s guest, Karen Wingate, has a unique understanding regarding what we do and do not see.

Remembering What We Cannot See

by Karen Womgate

When I was a child, my family often traveled the back roads of Arizona to my grandparents through what was then farming country between Phoenix and Tucson. That was in the day when Arizona was famous for its Pima cotton. But all I could see were smudges of white.

Born legally blind, my description of distant objects was in terms of “blurry blobs.” My family slowly got the idea that if I was to see a particular thing, they would either have to point it out to me or move me closer. Once I saw the item up close, my mind would fill in the details the next time I saw the distant blur.

During one trip, my mother drove while my step-dad monitored his ham radio. On an abandoned county road south of Phoenix, she abruptly did a hard left into a cotton field.

“What are you doing?” my stepdad sputtered, as he bent to pick up his microphone.

She calmly replied. “I’m going to show Karen a cotton boll.”

And she did. We “gleaned” a cotton boll from the edge of a field. I then spent the rest of the trip pulling it apart and marveling at the strands of cotton and the hard seeds embedded within. So that’s why Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin!

I marvel at my mother’s wisdom. She brought the world to me, but she did more. She used my poor vision that identified things as “blobs” as a launching pad for asking, “What’s out there?” I learned to squelch fear of the unknown with curiosity and perceive the unseen as an adventure, rather than a threat.

God invites us to do the same in our spiritual journey. He says in Jeremiah 33:3, “‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know (NKJV).’

But venturing past the defined detail of the familiar can be scary. We don’t know what lies beyond in space or time. What we do see or know looks much like my blurry blobs.

Instead of leaving us to retreat in fear, God invites us to move forward with curiosity. He has so much to show us. He has exciting moments waiting where we’ll see glimpses of His glory and the inner details of His work. He wants us to come boldly before His throne, walk into the center of His will, and discover just how great a God He is.

He is there in the undefined, beyond what we can see. He is here, waiting to walk into the unknown with us, so He can show us who He is and what He can do. As we venture into the new, we discover the reality of what we could not see, and the wonder will push aside the fear.

As you walk toward the ambiguity of an upcoming event or the future hours of an ordinary day, why not squelch uncertainty with curiosity? Ask, “Lord, what’s out there? Show me what You are doing.” He may show you spiritual treasure that will equip you with hope for the next time you trek into the unknown. Or He may simply ask you to trust Him and let Him guide you through what you cannot see for the moment.

If you fear what lies ahead, take a deep breath, and tell the Lord you’re ready to discover whatever He’s waiting to show you. Whatever it is will be amazing.

Get to Know Karen: Karen Wingate is author of the award-winning book, With Fresh Eyes: 60 Insights into the Miraculously Ordinary from a Woman Born Blind After she and her husband spent 35 years in local church ministry, they have returned to the desert Southwest where Karen continues to write and speak, including an appearance on the Focus on the Family broadcast. Visit her website at www.karenwingate.com.

Check out her book, With Fresh Eyes: 60 Insights Into the Miraculously Ordinary from a Woman Born Blind:

What miracles do we miss when we close our eyes to the wonder of everyday moments?

In this busy, jaded world of ours, we often take for granted what we see every day. We may set aside time to spend with God in a quiet room, but we struggle to see his hand in a traffic jam or while walking the dog. But for Karen Wingate, sight itself is something extraordinary, and what our eyes can reveal is even more astounding.

Karen lived most of her life with severely limited sight due to a cluster of disorders stemming from a genetic defect. But through the chance outcome of a surgery, she regained sight in one eye that doubled her visual acuity–and allowed her to see things she had never seen before. And as she discovered a more detailed world for the first time, she also began to see God in every new discovery–from the prosaic numbers of a bathroom scale to the glory of sunsets.

With Fresh Eyes invites readers not only to celebrate the gift of their own sight but to reawaken to the wonder of what they observe in creation–great and small–and how God is working in everyday moments. In each of her sixty meditations, Karen’s humor and whimsy draw a connection between physical sight and spiritual understanding that will leave readers with a renewed joy and delight in what is good and beautiful, and will reassure them that God still works in the lives of his people.

Grab your copy HERE.

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

Yielding to God’s direction – Guest Post by Chris Corradino

by Jennifer Slattery on February 2, 2023February 1, 2023

If you squirm with anxiety while someone other than yourself is driving, you may be challenged by letting go of control. It’s a common issue that typically manifests in all aspects of your life, not just the car. That had certainly been the case for me, but God in His infinite wisdom had other plans. And while He got my attention in dramatic fashion, sometimes we need to be shaken to regain our focus. Thanks to His mercy, I’m able to share the lesson He imparted.

As a former New Yorker, I’ve grown accustomed to many of New Zealand’s unique traffic patterns. Roundabouts, river fords, and giving way to vehicles on the right are just a few. Yet, while touring the back country roads of the South Island, I learned about a different situation that can catch a newcomer off guard. It’s called a “One Lane Bridge”.

This was unceremoniously revealed to me with the whole family in the car. Traffic was moving well in both directions, but seemed to merge into a narrow gravel path rather abruptly. In full disclosure, this transition was preceded by a small sign. Only, in my inexperience, I passed by too quickly to read it. This was not ideal, as it would have alerted me of the impending danger. Two arrows pointed toward each other to signify the potential for oncoming vehicles. I was supposed to slow down, look for approaching cars, and yield to give way to them.

Instead, I just came barreling down the road with a haphazard dust cloud following behind. My wife and Kiwi co-passenger recognized the imminent doom and shouted to stop me just in time. As I sat there in embarrassment, drivers with the right of way passed by and flashed a quick wave. My hands were still gripping the wheel too tightly to respond. They didn’t realize how different things could have been If I was driving alone that day. This incident of course begged the question; how many other critical signs have I missed? Not just on the road, but on my walk with God. Perhaps you’ve experienced something similar in your journey.

God has already provided the ultimate map to salvation, and His name is Jesus. While we were making all those wrong turns, He was right there with us. Some of the roads we traveled may have even led to dark and painful places. In looking at His promises in the Bible though, you can see the trail of once-overlooked signs. We all veer off course on occasion, but Scripture provides guardrails for those willing to obey. The route was carefully designed to lead us back to Him. It’s now time to let Jesus take control of the wheel. The destination is eternal life, and He is the only way to get there.

Key Thought: The road that leads to Jesus will be bumpy, and even uncomfortable at times. There may be moments when you want to turn back and find your own way. Yet, as the shepherd of our hearts, Jesus will stop at nothing to build a relationship with you. Opening the door to let Him in is a good first step. Yet, if you’re searching for lasting peace, you’ll need to move over and let Jesus drive.

Get to Know Chris Corradino

In studying God’s Word, Chris learns more about himself and the world around him. From the profound love of Jesus to the redemptive power of His mercy and grace, Chris writes to express the vast beauty of God’s kingdom. Though his journey began as a personal one, Chris is honored to share his work with a worldwide audience. His new book Finding Joy in Every Season: 60 Men’s Devotionals for Winning with Jesus is set to be published with Ambassador International.

While genuinely pleased by these accomplishments, perhaps Chris’ greatest joy comes from encouraging others to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Whether in a sermon, or written text, Chris’ words are a testimony to what God has done in his life, and what He can do for others as well.

About the Book:

Christian men want to lead their families, build careers, get involved in their children’s lives, be loving husbands, and also grow their relationship with Jesus.

Despite these good intentions, statistics show the reality of what’s actually happening. Men are ending their own lives with staggering frequency. This trend is not unique to the United States as it’s unfortunately grown into a global epidemic.

Put simply, men are desperate for help and the tired advice to “man up” is proving deadly.

Finding Joy In Every Season: 60 Men’s Devotionals for Winning with Jesus challenges us to lay our weapons down as Jesus has already claimed victory. All the muscles in the world can’t soothe the hurt we carry inside. While it sounds counterintuitive, true strength starts with embracing our weaknesses.

With fresh biblical insight presented in a conversational style, readers will find new ways to apply God’s word to their own lives.

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

Trusting Our Advocate – guest post by Candy Arrington

by Jennifer Slattery on December 1, 2022November 30, 2022

For several years prior to her death, I served as a caregiver and advocate for my 96-year-old aunt. Her advanced age brought hearing loss, which made it difficult for her to understand health care providers as well as others. Sometimes, she attempted to fake hearing and answered confidently, if incorrectly. But increasingly, she looked to me to translate for her, especially in situations where providers were masked.

My job as advocate was most often needed at times when my aunt was hospitalized. In the months before her death, a hospitalist wanted to send her to an intense physical therapy rehab facility. I knew, because of various medical conditions and declining stamina, my aunt would not be able to handle this rigorous program. I pled her case, standing firm against pressure from the hospitalist. In the end, my advocacy prevailed, and she went to a facility with a program commensurate with her age and physical abilities.

Several synonyms exist for the word “advocate”—champion, proponent, promoter, supporter, to name a few. An advocate acts on behalf of another.

As Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his upcoming arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and eventual return to his Father, he promised to send them an Advocate as his representative. The verse following John 14:26 promises peace, and in our turbulent world, peace is truly a God-given gift. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT).

Sometimes we forget the Holy Spirit acts on our behalf, providing wisdom, warning, helping, convicting, counseling, and comforting. Often, we feel we have to struggle through hardship, solve overwhelming problems, or negotiate life obstacles in our own strength. Instead, remember Jesus’s promise to his disciples to provide an advocate is also a promise to us. The power, presence, and protection of the Holy Spirit are always available. All we have to do is ask for help. The additional benefit of our Advocate’s help is peace of mind and heart, something we all crave when buffeted by difficulty or the unexpected.

Are you facing a life challenge that seems insurmountable? Remember your greatest resource, your Advocate, the Holy Spirit is within you, providing wisdom and counsel and acting on your behalf.

Get to Know Candy Arrington

Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, and speaker who frequently writes on the topics of faith, health, personal growth, and methods for moving through, and beyond, challenging life circumstances. Candy’s publishing credits include three nonfiction books: Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B & H Publishing Group), as well as hundreds of articles and devotionals in numerous print and online outlets—Focus on the Family, AriseDaily.com, Inspiration.org, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Find her at CandyArrington.com.

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Expectations or Expectancy – Guest post by Ava Pennington

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

is what feels urgent god’s leading? – guest post by kathy howard

Jesus Defeated the Tyranny of the Urgent

We can Follow Jesus’ Example

Feeling Left Out? Christ Seats You at the Table of Honor – Faith Over Fear

Remembering What we cannot see – guest post by Karen Wingate

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

Yielding to God’s direction – Guest Post by Chris Corradino

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse

Trusting Our Advocate – guest post by Candy Arrington

The Christian Way to Push Back Without Regret (Zechariah 7:9) – Your Daily Bible Verse